When Samm asked me if I would be interested in contributing to August's PoolSynergy- topic 10 Things Pool (http://www.pooltipjar.com/2011/08/10-things-ps-host/), I immediately said yes. Not only do I love writing stories, but this would be a great opportunity to contribute back to the sport that I love. I decided to let my readers and FB friends determine my topic. I posted 10 pool related subjects that I would be interested in writing about and then solicited their votes either by direct contact or through friends of friends :) I got some great feedback and met my target of 100+ votes for the story.
Every person is different and it is my hope that all my readers can gain insight into themselves, if not by following the advice that I have given, than through understanding their own approach to preparation. Enjoy.
10 Ways To Prepare For a Tournament
1) Pay your Entry Fees
Not all tournaments are created equal and the most critical step in preparing for any tournament is getting your entry fee in while they are still being taken. For some events the number of players is capped, while others are open enrollment. Either way, by getting your entry fee in early, you are ensured a spot on that board without incurring potential late fees and you can start preparing for participation.
2) Make Travel Arrangements
Depending on how close the tournament is to you, this may or may not be too much of an issue. When the event is local, it is essential that you know of any potential complications that may arise, e.g. road construction, parking restrictions, and general timing of traffic. I always make a mental note of anything that needs to be considered, including, but not limited to fueling my vehicle the night before (one less thing to do in the morning), making sure that my directions and route are clear, and planning my departure time accordingly. When the tournament is not local, there are many more factors to consider with travel arrangements. I love to travel for events, especially to places I have never been; however, this adds a layer of complexity that isn’t always as easy to plan for. If you know someone that lives near the room where the event will be held, make sure that you contact them to find out any issues that you might encounter with travel to and from where you are staying. I am a firm believer in booking airfare and hotel as far in advance as possible, to get the best fares and rates. When picking a hotel, make sure that it has the accomodations that you absolutely can’t do without, otherwise you will have one more thing to pack and worry about, and no one wants that, especially when you are trying to focus on what you need to do to win this thing. As far as airfare goes, it is always a good idea to locate the airport that is closest to the venue. It might cost a little bit more, but the benefit often outweighs the alternative (especially additional travel time and distance that can complicate your plans.) And these days, I would absolutely recommend getting GPS for your rental car unless you are totally familiar with the area or are staying with someone who is.
3) Dress for Success
Depending on the tournament, dress codes may or may not be enforced for the event. Planning to meet any and all dress code requirements is one thing that you can completely manage with relatively little effort. If you have questions, ask early and always err on the conservative side. If there is a formal dress code in place, don’t try and get away with things that may or may not be in code. Just eliminate the hassle of thinking about it, there are too many other things to think about during a tournament. On the same note, one absolutely critical piece of planning is shoes. And no, I am not just being a girl on this one. When playing in larger tournaments especially, you will be on your feet for many hours and if you aren’t wearing comfortable shoes you are going to suffer. Don’t try out new shoes for an event, break them in prior, because the last thing you want is a blister or other types of foot pain to distract you from your mission. For me finding comfortable shoes that met all dress code requirements ended up costing me more in the short term, but the benefits in the long run are immeasurable.
4) Play Sets of the Format
Most tournament advertisements include information regarding the format of play that will be used for the event. In general, a couple good things to know are: what rules will be played, if the tournament is double or single elimination, the lengths of the races, and whether it is a winner breaks or alternating breaks format. Once you know this information, you can prepare accordingly. Often times, if you are used to achieving a certain number of games, how you prepare mentally can be the key to your success. If the sets are a Race to 7 and you normally only play Races to 4, you might lose focus or have weaker stamina near the end of the set when you need it most. I like to hook up with a player that is stronger than me and have them bring the heat in the format that we will be playing.
5) Sleep
Being successful at tournaments requires not only skill, but also both physical and mental endurance. Depending on the number of entrants, winning a tournament generally requires you to defeat multiple opponents that as the tournament progresses generally get better and better. Often times as you move through the brackets, the players that are shooting well advance through the rounds bottlenecking at the hotseat match (winner of the winner’s bracket, or winner of the event in single elimination formats.) If you aren’t well rested in the days leading up to the event, it can definitely effect your performance. It is a great rule of thumb to not plan on sleeping more or less than you normally would to maintain your peak physical and mental acuity. Some events will allow for cat naps throughout the day, but if you are anything like me, down time during tournaments is filled with other activities so I rely heavily on getting a good nights' sleep. As a tournament nears its finale, both mental and physical exhaustion can hamper your efforts to play your best pool so make sure to get some sleep so you can bring your best game.
6) Eat
How you eat before and throughout an event absolutely plays a role in your ability to compete at tournaments. Food is fuel for both the body and mind, so if the tank is empty your ability to concentrate and perform at your highest level can be extremely difficult. I personally opt for ¼ to ½ tank status, primarily because a touch of hunger brings out my best competition. Eating foods heavy in starches and sugars throughout the day can weigh you down and make you lethargic, so opt for snacks high in protein to ensure optimum performance. I generally eat several smaller snacks throughout the day instead of big meals, but that is really a matter of personal preference. As I discussed previously, tournaments are test of both physical and mental endurance, so by eating the right balance of foods for your body you can make it through your matches with more energy in reserve.
7) Show up Early to Play on the Tables
Some people can just show up at a tournament and it doesn’t matter what size or shape of table they will be playing on, but for me I like to show up when the doors open and shoot a few racks to assess what conditions I am going to be playing in. How tight the pockets are, whether or not the tables allow for slow rolls, and how the tables break are just a couple of things I like to know before the tournament starts. The better prepared you are for knowing where and when you will need to make adjustments, the more likely you will be to have success. Knowing the tables can eliminate the compulsion for making excuses. Everyone is playing on the same tables so get in there and figure them out…
8) Know the Rules
Depending on the game you are going to play, there are subtle variations that are determined by the Tournament Directors. Even if most of the rules are similar, it is critical to understand what rules will be applied to your games and matches. It can make the difference between a good shot or a foul, a win or loss of game, and eventually a win or loss of a match.
9) Getting to Know the Venue
When playing in a pool room for the first time, there are several things to figure out that will help you be mentally prepared for a tournament at the location. Knowing the conditions in advance can prevent unnecessary dilemmas during the event when your concentration needs to be focused on play. 1) Some rooms have no windows and extremely dark lighting, which is ideal for serious pool players, but not necessarily so for casual players or customers coming in for other activities that the establishment might provide. There's not much you can do about the situation, but awareness can be helpful. 2) Location and number of bathrooms are fundamental bits of information for any person, but especially for a pool player during a tournament. If you are only allowed one 5-minute break during your match, you probably won't want to have to figure out the bathroom situation with that time. 3) Some pool rooms don’t offer a full food menu, but just light snacks. Knowing restaurants in the area can be helpful if you end up needing to leave the room for more substantial fair. 4) Table etiquette for the room, aka “House Rules” generally are adhered to for most venues. Some “House Rules” that have come up at tournaments that I have participated in: no phenolic tips, no jumping or masse allowed, break cloth, scratch pot, and no drinks at the table. In general, higher level tournaments will make exceptions for tournament play, but it is always good to know the venue’s table etiquette requirements prior to start of the event. 5) Will there be billiards supplies/cue repair onsite. Not all rooms have this amenity, so will definitely effect your preparation for a tournament. I personally have two shafts for my shooting cue for this reason. If something were to happen, I know that I have a backup plan. It is always a good idea to know where you can go if supplies and/or cue repair are not available onsite
10) Plan for a Long Day
Don’t schedule other activities for the same day as the tournament. This "just in case I am out" mentality will be your downfall. Although there are many factors that contribute to success at tournaments, a player’s full commitment to winning the event is absolutely essential in doing so. Take the pressure off yourself and be in this moment. You will have plenty of opportunities to do whatever else you might need to do on a different day, so on tournament days or weekends dedicate that time to the event. For traveling tournaments, make your travel arrangements for the day after play is concluded. Even if you don’t end up winning the tournament, it is extremely valuable to watch championship matches and show your support to other pool players.
Preparation for tournaments can improve your chances for success and I hope that one, if not all, of my suggestions on how to do so are helpful in your endeavors. From the amateur to professional ranks, players can find tournaments both near and far from home. Good luck, shoot well, and you may just put yourself in the position to Get Lucky ;).
WPBA San Diego Classic 2009, Photo by Anne Craig
Monday, August 15, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Ozones, Dragons, and Emeralds
For those of you that know me, it is no surprise why the name of my blog is what it is. But for the rest of you out there, I just want to say thank you for taking a moment out of the whirlwind we call life to listen to me vent. Yet again, the lack of support sometimes after a good match can really be disheartening. I carry it with me, fuel for my ambition and a running joke for me to appreciate. I will elaborate further after some much needed background and build-up.
I played at the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open last weekend, down at Emerald Billiards in New Iberia, LA. Not only was this the first event that I had played in Louisiana, there were several other firsts including 1) my first Charlie Williams/Dragon Promotions Event, 2) my first open ProAm Event, 3) getting to the see SVB, Charlie Williams, Johnny Archer, Shawn Putnam, and so many other great pros compete at the DP Pro Classic (in person), and 4) play with a mixed doubles partner that I didn't know.
There are several stories that I just want to tell, not only because I can, but I feel compelled to do so. I suppose that is obvious by even having a blog, but anyways let me get back to it. I numbered the stories, not only for clarity as a reader, but to prevent myself from digressing.
1) Charlie Williams/Dragon Promotions
When I first saw the flyer for the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open and DP Pro Classic, I was like "Yes, yes, yes", why wouldn't I want to travel to a new city and expand my story as a person, as a pool player, and as an aspiring photo journalist. I have played in events all over the country and I have to say that Dragon Promotions did run a great event. There were multiple divisions for the amateurs, ProAms where you could test your skills against some of the best players in the world, and the Pro events where amateurs could sign up as well (but had no real chance at coming through).
I played in the Ladies Amateur 8 Ball, Ladies ProAm 9 Ball, and the ProAm Mixed Doubles 8 Ball. All three events were held on the barboxes and I shot pretty sporty overall, cashing in 2 out of 3 events and having one of the biggest wins of my short pool history. My only complaint would have to be that the amateur events weren't really treated with the same importance as the ProAm or Pro Events, but I understand why. Spectators are paying to see the Pros and amateurs are well, just amateurs. I didn't take it personally; however, I know that there were several match conflicts because of opponents playing in multiple events which resulted in 6 to 12 hour delays. Dragon Promotions did a great job getting through all of the events and I look forward to playing in DP events in the future.
2) My first ProAm 9 Ball Event
I thought it was strange that the ProAm 9 ball event only drew 8 players, especially being hosted in the south where there are so many great players within a relatively short distance. My first round draw was against Ms. Erica Park, Dragon Promotions' newest protege (Charlie's Angels as some of the players were calling them) from Korea. Immediately, I knew I would have to play my best (why I would think it might be some other way, I don't know) and ultimately I set the goal of not dogging it, just playing the table and trying to take advantage of what opportunities I was given. In a winner breaks format, race to 7, on barboxes I figured a seven pack was not only possible, but probable by the lady that just finished 3rd at the WPBA's US Open.
I think my nerves got the best of me early on as Erica only had one break and run in the games building up to her 5-1 lead. Being down that much, it is really easy to fold and just let them have it, but what fun would that be? From the moment I realized I was just playing barbox 9 ball my mental edge sharpened significantly. It no longer mattered who I was playing, how I was doing, and definitely not how my opponent was doing. I was waiting for my turn, I was making the ball, I was running out... After I tied things up at 5, I broke dry and Erica attempted a 1-9 carom where she ended up leaving the 9 in the jaws. Of course I immediately went for the 1-9 bank and made it to reach the hill first. We both had misses during the final rack, but victory was to be mine as I ran out from the 3 to win the match 7-5. After the match, Erica was very gracious as she congratulated me on my performance and wished me good luck in my next match. Someone else, who I will leave nameless for my own purposes, decided that now would be a good time to let me know exactly how lucky I got (hence the legacy...) Not only did Erica not get any rolls while I did, but she is a world class player and champion while I am not, and to top it off there is no way that I should ever even have had a chance... 3 minutes of this type of conversation can feel like an eternity, but Oh well, such is life of 9 ball on the barboxes. I felt great about the heart that I showed and the skill that I used to my advantage. Even if I am never a champion, I can always say I beat one ;)
I ended up losing my next match to Belinda Lee 7-6 (after being down 6-3), man I had some great run outs to stay in that match, and then defeating Stephanie Goens 5-4 to earn a rematch against Erica which she won 5-3. Erica went on to defeat Belinda Lee and then double dip her Dragon counterpart Kaori Ebe from Japan to earn her Championship in the ProAm 9 Ball. What a fun event :)
3) Getting to see the Pros- DP Pro Classic
Dragon Promotions and Emerald Billiards really went out of their way to show their support for the Pro Players that ventured down to New Iberia for the DP Pro Classic. The Pro Arena was curtained off and both 9 and 10 ball tournaments were played on eight 9 foot Brunswick Tournament Edition tables. Arena seating was available throughout the event and Ray "Big Truck" Hansen provided live streaming for the entire weekend.
For me personally, this was a huge opportunity considering I had never had the experience of watching these players, especially in such an intimate setting. Seriously, I got some amazing photos and watched some of the best pool I have ever seen played in person. Not only were most of the pros totally friendly and open to chatting, photographs, and signing my book (of course), but some even watched me play and gave me some pointers (you know who you are ;).) I really am a lucky girl!
4) Playing Mixed Doubles with Someone I Didn't Know
When I paid my entry fees, I was under the impression that the ProAm 9 Ball and Mixed Doubles 8 Ball events overlapped which meant I had to choose. Considering how far we were from home and any male counterpart that I knew could handle a stick, I opted to play it safe and play the ProAm 9 ball. Singles, I can do.
On our first night (we arrived Thursday), I met the guy who would end up being my Scotch Doubles partner on Sunday. He basically walked up to the table we were shooting at and said I want you to be my partner. Me being who I am, I basically said well, I'll need to see you shoot first. LOL. Ron Canterbury originally grew up playing with the likes of Chris Bartram and Corey Deuel in the Ohio area, but gave up pool for several years to raise a family. We had great chemistry from the get go and we ended up with a mixed bag of results. I think we both tried our hardest, but in the long run made too many mistakes. We ended up with a 3rd place performance, when 1st was in our sites.
I would definitely recommend going out of town and playing Mixed Doubles with someone you don't know, you really realize your own strengths and weaknesses as both a player and a teammate.
Overall, I had a great time traveling to Louisiana for this event. I know in my heart that pool is alive and well in the Bayou. I look forward to traveling to different events in the future and hope that if you ever have the opportunity to put yourself out there that you take full advantage of it. I would like to thank Criegh Dumo for sponsoring myself and Stacy with some Hustlin' USA apparel. I think we would have made you proud.
That's it for now. Come back soon!
I played at the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open last weekend, down at Emerald Billiards in New Iberia, LA. Not only was this the first event that I had played in Louisiana, there were several other firsts including 1) my first Charlie Williams/Dragon Promotions Event, 2) my first open ProAm Event, 3) getting to the see SVB, Charlie Williams, Johnny Archer, Shawn Putnam, and so many other great pros compete at the DP Pro Classic (in person), and 4) play with a mixed doubles partner that I didn't know.
There are several stories that I just want to tell, not only because I can, but I feel compelled to do so. I suppose that is obvious by even having a blog, but anyways let me get back to it. I numbered the stories, not only for clarity as a reader, but to prevent myself from digressing.
1) Charlie Williams/Dragon Promotions
When I first saw the flyer for the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open and DP Pro Classic, I was like "Yes, yes, yes", why wouldn't I want to travel to a new city and expand my story as a person, as a pool player, and as an aspiring photo journalist. I have played in events all over the country and I have to say that Dragon Promotions did run a great event. There were multiple divisions for the amateurs, ProAms where you could test your skills against some of the best players in the world, and the Pro events where amateurs could sign up as well (but had no real chance at coming through).
I played in the Ladies Amateur 8 Ball, Ladies ProAm 9 Ball, and the ProAm Mixed Doubles 8 Ball. All three events were held on the barboxes and I shot pretty sporty overall, cashing in 2 out of 3 events and having one of the biggest wins of my short pool history. My only complaint would have to be that the amateur events weren't really treated with the same importance as the ProAm or Pro Events, but I understand why. Spectators are paying to see the Pros and amateurs are well, just amateurs. I didn't take it personally; however, I know that there were several match conflicts because of opponents playing in multiple events which resulted in 6 to 12 hour delays. Dragon Promotions did a great job getting through all of the events and I look forward to playing in DP events in the future.
2) My first ProAm 9 Ball Event
I thought it was strange that the ProAm 9 ball event only drew 8 players, especially being hosted in the south where there are so many great players within a relatively short distance. My first round draw was against Ms. Erica Park, Dragon Promotions' newest protege (Charlie's Angels as some of the players were calling them) from Korea. Immediately, I knew I would have to play my best (why I would think it might be some other way, I don't know) and ultimately I set the goal of not dogging it, just playing the table and trying to take advantage of what opportunities I was given. In a winner breaks format, race to 7, on barboxes I figured a seven pack was not only possible, but probable by the lady that just finished 3rd at the WPBA's US Open.
I think my nerves got the best of me early on as Erica only had one break and run in the games building up to her 5-1 lead. Being down that much, it is really easy to fold and just let them have it, but what fun would that be? From the moment I realized I was just playing barbox 9 ball my mental edge sharpened significantly. It no longer mattered who I was playing, how I was doing, and definitely not how my opponent was doing. I was waiting for my turn, I was making the ball, I was running out... After I tied things up at 5, I broke dry and Erica attempted a 1-9 carom where she ended up leaving the 9 in the jaws. Of course I immediately went for the 1-9 bank and made it to reach the hill first. We both had misses during the final rack, but victory was to be mine as I ran out from the 3 to win the match 7-5. After the match, Erica was very gracious as she congratulated me on my performance and wished me good luck in my next match. Someone else, who I will leave nameless for my own purposes, decided that now would be a good time to let me know exactly how lucky I got (hence the legacy...) Not only did Erica not get any rolls while I did, but she is a world class player and champion while I am not, and to top it off there is no way that I should ever even have had a chance... 3 minutes of this type of conversation can feel like an eternity, but Oh well, such is life of 9 ball on the barboxes. I felt great about the heart that I showed and the skill that I used to my advantage. Even if I am never a champion, I can always say I beat one ;)
I ended up losing my next match to Belinda Lee 7-6 (after being down 6-3), man I had some great run outs to stay in that match, and then defeating Stephanie Goens 5-4 to earn a rematch against Erica which she won 5-3. Erica went on to defeat Belinda Lee and then double dip her Dragon counterpart Kaori Ebe from Japan to earn her Championship in the ProAm 9 Ball. What a fun event :)
3) Getting to see the Pros- DP Pro Classic
Dragon Promotions and Emerald Billiards really went out of their way to show their support for the Pro Players that ventured down to New Iberia for the DP Pro Classic. The Pro Arena was curtained off and both 9 and 10 ball tournaments were played on eight 9 foot Brunswick Tournament Edition tables. Arena seating was available throughout the event and Ray "Big Truck" Hansen provided live streaming for the entire weekend.
For me personally, this was a huge opportunity considering I had never had the experience of watching these players, especially in such an intimate setting. Seriously, I got some amazing photos and watched some of the best pool I have ever seen played in person. Not only were most of the pros totally friendly and open to chatting, photographs, and signing my book (of course), but some even watched me play and gave me some pointers (you know who you are ;).) I really am a lucky girl!
4) Playing Mixed Doubles with Someone I Didn't Know
When I paid my entry fees, I was under the impression that the ProAm 9 Ball and Mixed Doubles 8 Ball events overlapped which meant I had to choose. Considering how far we were from home and any male counterpart that I knew could handle a stick, I opted to play it safe and play the ProAm 9 ball. Singles, I can do.
On our first night (we arrived Thursday), I met the guy who would end up being my Scotch Doubles partner on Sunday. He basically walked up to the table we were shooting at and said I want you to be my partner. Me being who I am, I basically said well, I'll need to see you shoot first. LOL. Ron Canterbury originally grew up playing with the likes of Chris Bartram and Corey Deuel in the Ohio area, but gave up pool for several years to raise a family. We had great chemistry from the get go and we ended up with a mixed bag of results. I think we both tried our hardest, but in the long run made too many mistakes. We ended up with a 3rd place performance, when 1st was in our sites.
I would definitely recommend going out of town and playing Mixed Doubles with someone you don't know, you really realize your own strengths and weaknesses as both a player and a teammate.
Overall, I had a great time traveling to Louisiana for this event. I know in my heart that pool is alive and well in the Bayou. I look forward to traveling to different events in the future and hope that if you ever have the opportunity to put yourself out there that you take full advantage of it. I would like to thank Criegh Dumo for sponsoring myself and Stacy with some Hustlin' USA apparel. I think we would have made you proud.
That's it for now. Come back soon!
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